The Lakota Native American tribe has
a long tradition of ceremonial horseback rides, which are used to
celebrate within the community or bring positive spiritual energies
toward matters of concern. In 1990, members of the Lakota Nation felt it
was time the tribe addressed the growing need for peace around the
world, and with this in mind they began a series of rides dedicated to
ending war and bringing greater understanding to the peoples of the
Earth.

Documentary filmmaker James Kleinert examines the
growing Native American peace movement in Spirit Riders, which looks
back to Lakota traditions and takes them into the present with the
continuing phenomenon of the Spirit Rides for Peace. The film includes
interviews with activists and ride participants, including Charlotte
Black Elk, Chris Leith, Ron His Horse Is Thunder, and actor Viggo
Mortensen. (90 minutes)